TDA Implements Stricter Cotton Stalk Destruction Program

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Agriculture has implemented a stricter cotton stalk destruction program to enhance the effectiveness and success of boll weevil eradication across Texas. The new procedures will begin with the 2005 cotton crop.

Producers who were sent a warning letter, Notice of Noncompliance or Notice of Violation in any of the previous three years will no longer have seven days to comply with the zone’s stalk destruction deadline without a penalty. When these producers are in violation of a deadline, they will be issued a Notice of Violation and be assessed a minimum $250 base penalty for each field not in compliance.

If a field is still in violation seven days after TDA mails an official notice letter, the agency will assess the producer the base penalty plus 50 cents per acre for every day the field is out of compliance.

Any producer still in violation seven days after receiving an official notice will receive an estimate of the penalty accrued to date and the estimated costs the producer will incur if TDA must destroy the field.

Seven days after the estimates are sent, TDA will destroy the field and charge the producer one and one-half times the cost of destruction.

A cotton producer will continue to incur fines until the field is in compliance, and TDA verifies destruction with an inspection.

“The success of the state’s boll weevil eradication programs means that Texas cotton farmers are winning the war against one of the most devastating pests in American agriculture,” said David Kostroun, assistant commissioner for TDA’s Regulatory Programs. “It is important for all Texas cotton producers to comply with the state’s stalk destruction program to protect the investments and achievements made in eradication.”

Stalk destruction deadlines have been established to combat overwintering populations of boll weevils, pink bollworms and other pests. After the deadline, cotton stalks must not be allowed to develop buds, squares, blooms or bolls and must remain without fruiting structures until the zone’s next planting date.

For a list of Pest Management Zones (including counties) and stalk destruction deadlines, visit TDA’s Web site at www.agr.state.tx.us/license/regulatory/cotton/reg_stalkmap.htm.

Contact Information

Beverly Boyd

Media Contact

Texas Department of Agriculture

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